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Cool, Wet Conditions Slow Fieldwork Across South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Cool and wet conditions across most of South Dakota slowed down fieldwork in the last week, but producers welcomed the moisture.

The Agriculture Department says in its weekly crop progress report that the wet weather improved topsoil moisture to 71 percent adequate or surplus. The ratings were 29 percent short or very short, compared to 42 percent the previous week.

There were about two days suitable for fieldwork.

Stock water supplies rated 10 percent very short, 22 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. Pasture and range conditions were 33 percent good or excellent, 43 percent fair, and 24 percent poor or very poor.

Corn planting in South Dakota is 83 percent done, ahead of last year’s 70 percent pace. Soybeans were 42 percent complete.